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Discover the silent Sounds, spectacular scenery and Stewart Island of the south. Explore the rugged reaches of the South Island on this six-day trip with Intrepid, beginning and ending in Queenstown on a guided coach tour. Make your way to the shores of the South Island’s biggest lake and sail the silent waters of glacier-carved Fiordland National Park with an unforgettable cruise on Milford Sound. Cross to the sometimes forgotten corner of Otago – the rugged cliffs of the Catlins – to hike to coastal caves, then span the gap to untouched Stewart Island to explore the wilderness, listening out for the call of the kiwi. Crafted to give the right amount of active adventure and time to relax, this is the perfect southern getaway.
Original: Tourist-class hotels, some meals included and a great mix of included activities and free time.
Physical Rating: 3 out of 5 = This trip will raise your heart rate. Moderate physical activities are included and a good level of fitness is required.
Check out why we love Intrepid here and read their booking terms and conditions here.
Welcome to the Queenstown, South Island! Make your own way to the hotel, where the adventure kicks off with a welcome meeting where you’ll join up with your leader and group. If you’re looking for more time in ‘Adventure Capital of the World’, look to book in some time after the end of the trip. After the meeting, head to the lovely lakeside town of Te Anau – gateway to Fiordland National Park. Watch the stunning landscapes pass by as you round the bottom of Lake Wakatipu with the aptly named The Remarkables mountains in the background. The 3.5-hour drive will take you to the shores of the South Island’s biggest lake, which extends into the fiords and deeply forested mountains. Once arrived, there are plenty of opportunities for you to enjoy the spectacular surrounding nature. Perhaps head out to see the glow worms on the opposite shore of the lake.
+ Optional activities – Te Anau – Glow Worm Cave with Cruise & Guide
Special information – It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance and emergency contact details at this time. The welcome meeting will take place at 10:30am. Please make sure you are on time for this important meeting as we will head out of town right after the meeting. If you are going to be late please let your booking agent know.
The stunning, unforgettable sights of the fiords are best experienced by boat, so today you’ll set off for a memorable cruise on Milford Sound, known locally as Piopiotahi. Sail along the waters that pour out into the Tasman Sea, and look out for bottlenose dolphins and fur seals at play. Nature feels close here in the silence of the sound as you make your way past countless tumbling, misting cascades, soaring icy peaks, lush rainforest and twisting inlets. Soak up the surrounds so stunning that they feel almost fake, and breathe in the crisp mountain air. Afterwards get a different perspective of the sound, surrounded by native bush, as you take on the lookout track with your leader. There’s a bit of a climb, but the views are more than worth it to look down on the water and up at the peaks. The spectacular views keep on coming with a Mirror Lakes walk, where the peaks and greenery reflect in the clear lake waters. Return to Te Anau in time for dinner this evening – maybe seek out some local fare like venison or even lobster for dinner.
This morning it’s time to swap one side of the island for the other as you make your way to what feels like a forgotten corner of Otago – the Catlins. This untamed coastal wilderness is home to rugged cliffs, dense forest, and some spectacular hidden waterfalls. Visit Nugget Point and its lighthouse, situated on a rocky outcrop jutting out into the South Pacific Ocean, and hike through dense forest to pretty McLean Falls.
Head to the very bottom of the island and take a ferry across the Foveaux Strait to the country’s third largest landmass, remote and rugged Stewart Island. It takes about one hour to travel the 30-kilometre strait. The island is almost entirely national park, which makes its unspoiled forests, beaches and bays a haven for hikers of all abilities as well as birdwatchers – it’s home to endangered brown kiwi and the flightless Stewart Island kiwi. In the Māori language the island is known as Rakiura, which means ‘the land of glowing skies’.
Special information – Please note that the passage to Stewart Island can be quite rough, depending on weather. Make sure you prepare yourself for this leg of the journey. Please also note that due to limited accommodation options on Stewart Island the group will stay in a mix of motel units and hostel style twin room accommodation with shared facilities. Due to the remote location of Stewart Island, internet and mobile phone reception can be very patchy or non-existent.
Enjoy a full free day to explore the island as you discover the coast and Rakiura National Park. Optional activities include cruises on the bays and inlets spotting penguins and seabirds and walks along forested coastal tracks past early Māori settlements. Learn about the local flora and fauna, and relax on the beach for a picnic lunch. Take in the views over glistening William Bay and see if you can spot the mountains of the South Island in the distance. Return to your accommodation and enjoy the rest of the evening to relax after your full day of island exploration. Perhaps join the group for dinner at a local restaurant tonight.
+ Optional activities: Village & Bay Trip, Wild Kiwi Encounter, Beaks & Feathers Kiwi Spotting, Ulva Island Explorer
Head back over to the mainland, then continue back to Queenstown. Your trip comes to an end today when you arrive back in Queenstown at approximately 2pm. If you have extra time to spend in Queenstown, make sure to get out and take advantage of the numerous adventure activities on offer. The Remarkables and Lake Wakatipu not only serve as spectacular props to get your adrenaline fix, they’re also beautiful to look at. The town is also a great base for exploring Central Otago’s excellent vineyards and historic mining towns.
Because this trip delivers the South Island’s most exciting experiences in one journey, from cruising Milford Sound to discovering the wild Catlins and explore rugged Stewart Island in search of kiwi. It’s a fast-moving, experience-packed itinerary that gets you deep into real New Zealand in just six days.
Packed with lots of tips, highlights, activities and helpful information of our diverse country.
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